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PROS

CONS

VERDICT

Gunstar Heroes is a true platforming classic and having a version you can play on the go is great, but the controls leave a lot to be desired.

Full Review

App Store Info

Sometimes it's hard to keep the torch of my youth alive and fondly remembering oodles of time being wasted on a game like Gunstar Heroes fills me with joy. Unfortunately nostalgia can be a brittle thing and when poor controls make an already challenging game even harder, the warm buzz of the past is quickly usurped by frustration.

SEGA's emulated titles for the iDevices have been difficult to enjoy as there's nothing quite like having physical controls to maneuver with the exacting detail required in many of the Genesis' platforming titles. While the virtual buttons do a respectable job of allowing you to play Gunstar Heroes, the accuracy required to survive without burning through continues is just not present and players will need to compensate by abusing the game's weapon-merging system (pro-tip: homing/lightning combo with Gunstar Blue is seriously OP).

Thankfully, just about everything else about Gunstar Heroes is just as you'd expect, keeping all of the amazing platforming action that helped this title to gain a Rock Star level of fandom. What helps this title to stand the test of time is it's truly intense action gameplay that is paired with fluid movement that allows you to grab, climb and maneuver with ease while firing in 8 directions at the same time. Add in a weapon-pairing system (players can choose to merge any two combinations of 4 basic weapons) and you've got yourself a true winner.

It's hard to dislike Gunstar Heroes, but at best the controls are ill-advised and at worst in the case of the tilt controls, seriously harmful and bordering on pointless. If you're a die-hard fan you'll be able to overcome these limitations with time and practice, but Gunstar Heroes still a hard game to enjoy at this time.

Description

As Gunstar twin Red or Blue, defeat Colonel Red’s army to keep him from activating the Mystical Gems and destroying planet Gunstar 9…

As protectors of the planet Gunstar 9, the Gunstar Red and Blue twins must defeat Colonel Red and the Emperor before the evildoers can bring robot Golden Silver to life and destroy their beloved galactic home. Guided by Professor White and their sister Yellow, the twins race around in mining carts and space ships blasting at the enemy onslaught through seven chaos-filled stages. This means WAR!

360-DEGREE SHOOTING
As you run through the explosive side-scrolling levels, point and fire from any angle, even backwards over your head.

LOADS OF ENEMIES
Carrying two to four weapon types, unleash 10 different attacks on enemies and over 25 Boss battles.

TWO-PLAYER ACTION
Take on the unfriendly fire of Colonel Red’s army with a friend (Bluetooth required – available only for devices above iPhone 4 and iPad 1)